ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday ordered the immediate removal of all obstacles in the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project. He declared the project a top priority and essential for Pakistan’s economic self-reliance.
A high-level meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office. The focus was on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam and other national water resources. The Prime Minister stated that cheap electricity and strong agriculture were key to economic stability. Both depend on efficient water use and increased storage.
The Diamer-Bhasha Dam was described as a stable source of power. It was also called vital for flood control and year-round irrigation.
All administrative, legal, and logistical hurdles were ordered to be removed. Fast-track implementation of the project was instructed.
The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Kashmir Affairs Minister Engineer Amir Muqam, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Water Resources Minister Moin Wattoo, Advisor Rana Sanaullah, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, and other senior officials.
The forum stressed the urgent need to expand water storage. Climate change, falling water tables, and heavy reliance on agriculture were cited as major concerns.
WAPDA had earlier reported major progress. The diversion of the Indus River was completed. This milestone has cleared the way for further dam construction.
The Prime Minister said such projects were crucial for the future. New dams were called necessary for power generation, water storage, and flood protection.
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The Diamer-Bhasha Dam is expected to store 8.1 million acre-feet of water. It is also planned to generate 4,500 megawatts of electricity.
